While most fans are elated to see Manning back in the lineup, Smith was understandably unhappy with getting sent back to the bench after one start.

"Any competitor wouldn't be (happy)," Smith said. "To be put in that situation where you get a chance to play and then you're being pulled, but it's not because you played bad so you try to figure out why. But you got to understand that some things happen in this business and you just got to roll with it."

Smith said he hasn't figured out yet why he was benched, although the reason is obvious: The outraged response to Manning's benching last week was off the charts. The Giants knew the reaction would be even worse if they kept Manning on the bench in front of the home crowd on Sunday.

"I respect the heck out of Coach McAdoo. I think he did something maybe not a lot of people would have," Smith said. "He gave me an opportunity and I respect it, I appreciate it. As far as sympathy or something like that, I'm not looking for it. I don't need any sympathy. I'm built for all of this. I'm built for everything that's going to come my way and I know that all of these tests and these trials are preparing me for something greater. So I look at adversity as something that can be positive. I'm thankful for the adversity and I look forward to it."

Smith completed 21-of-34 passes for 212 yards with one touchdown and two fumbles in a performance that was in line with Manning's production this season. It's highly unlikely that Smith, 27, will get another shot this season, so he's left to wonder if he showed enough on Sunday to warrant an opportunity elsewhere.

"To some people, it may never be enough and to others it will be," Smith said. "That's not my job to focus on that. My job is to get better as a player, focus on my game and how I can improve. Obviously, there are some things that I can improve on from Sunday and that's what I'll focus on."